Leif in Calif Posted August 3, 2022 Share Posted August 3, 2022 I'm thinking about a '30 46S that's been for sale for a while. At this particular point in my life, any car I buy has to be capable of two things: 1) it needs to be able to go on the freeway, using the slow lane in light traffic. There are too many places to go where the route requires it. 2.) My wife (who's old car savvy but a small woman) needs to be able to drive it. What do you think? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
critterpainter Posted August 6, 2022 Share Posted August 6, 2022 Will the seller let you drive it? I personally don't think it will be happy at 65 without an overdrive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodneybeauchamp Posted August 8, 2022 Share Posted August 8, 2022 On 8/4/2022 at 1:53 AM, Leif in Calif said: I'm thinking about a '30 46S that's been for sale for a while. 2.) My wife (who's old car savvy but a small woman) needs to be able to drive it. What do you think? I would definitely keep her. Any wife that is willing to drive your old car is a keeper in my book! Rodney 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jps Posted August 14, 2022 Share Posted August 14, 2022 (edited) 65mph is way too fast for any '30 Buick unless it is significantly modified. Remember also that you only have mechanical brakes. Regarding size, the 40-series cars are the smallest; when I had a '29 sedan of comparable series, the seat was adjusted as far back as it could go and I still barely fit. I am 6'2" but the cars were designed for people just over 5' tall. Edited August 14, 2022 by jps Spelling error (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster Posted August 14, 2022 Share Posted August 14, 2022 Agree with jps, if you drive a car of that era at 65 mph, then need to emergency stop it from 65 mph with original brakes -- good luck with that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete K. Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 I drove a 1930-Mdl.47 sedan for 20 years. No way will it keep up at 65 or even 55 without blowing the main bearings. It is geared too low. 45 MPH was about as fast as I would push that six cylinder engine. At one time there was a set of rear end gears that would decrease engine speed at cruising speed but I don't remember who was selling them. (ring & pinion set). It was a great car and Buick actually advertised the '30 for the ease of driving for women. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted August 29, 2022 Share Posted August 29, 2022 Swap the ring and pinion for taller gears and you will be OK at 55 mph. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul White Posted September 2, 2022 Share Posted September 2, 2022 HI all, Any idea where these taller gears can be found? Cheers Paul 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted September 2, 2022 Share Posted September 2, 2022 16 hours ago, Paul White said: Any idea where these taller gears can be found? This forum in buy/sell section or eBay would be a good start. You can also have new gears made or install an overdrive unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now